Oh how we love Zilker Park! In 1917, Andrew Zilker donated 350 acres of land that has since become our beloved space to enjoy coldwater swims, trails, gardens, sprawling lawns, rock gardens, festivals and so much more. Zilker Park is such an essential part of Austin culture and one of the big reasons why our unique city is such a great place to call home.

Now more than 100 years old, Zilker Park sparks a multitude of awesome memories for Austinites (and visitors) — with years of fun ahead for our community! Below we’re sharing 100 things you can do in this park, and to be honest, we’re sure this list could go on even further. So get out there and enjoy some good times!

100 Things To Do in Zilker Park

(and here’s your map!)

1. take a cold dip in Barton Springs Pool
2. ride the Zilker Eagle mini train (coming soon!)
3. go for a jog on the Hike & Bike Trail
4. dig for dino bones at the Austin Science & Nature Center (ASNC)
5. stop and smell the roses at the Zilker Botanical Garden
6. check out the art collection at Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
7. climb around on Rock Island
8. “drive” the antique fire truck at the playground

9. watch the Austin Summer Musical on the Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theatre.  2023 will be Matilda!
10. listen to tunes at Blues on the Green (2023:  June 14, 15 and June 19, 20)
11. explore the SPLASH! exhibit in the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center
12. say “hi” to owls, skunks, snakes and other wildlife at the ASNC
13. have a picnic
14. let the dogs run in the off-leash area
15. enjoy the best of the fest experience at Austin City Limits Music Festival (October 2023)

16. peek into faerie houses on the annual Woodland Faerie Trail (Registration begins May 2023)
17. take the family to the annual Zilker Garden Festival (2023 has passed, 2024 will likely be in February)
18. welcome the new year at the Polar Bear Swim
19. learn about the endangered Barton Springs Salamander
20. embark on a prehistoric scavenger hunt in Hartman Prehistoric Garden
21. have fun at the annual ABC Kite Festival

22. take a hike through the Zilker Nature Preserve
23. study the details of one of Austin’s public landmark’s, the “Philosopher’s Rock“
24. play volleyball
25. throw a frisbee
26. play soccer
27. ride bikes
28. canoe
29. kayak
30. stand-up paddle
31. soak up some sun

32. meet friends
33. watch Shakespeare in the Park
34. send the kids Nature’s Way Preschool
35. learn about the environment at the annual Mother Earth Day Festival (Not yet updated for 2023)
36. sign up for summer camp at Austin Nature & Science Center
37. grill some burgers & hot dogs
38. blow bubbles
39. look for butterflies
40. check out native plants
41. play kickball
42. play hacky sack
43. learn about TX history in the Pioneer Village at the Botanical Garden
44. spin under the Zilker Tree in December
45. enjoy the holiday glow of the annual Trail of Lights

46. enjoy a night under the stars at the annual Umlauf Garden Party
47. sign up for a gardening workshop at the Botanical Garden
48. put your toes in the little creek at the ASNC
49. wave to the people riding the Zilker Eagle (coming soon)

50. celebrate butterflies at the Roots and Wings Festival in the Botanical Garden (held in October)
51. take a tour of the Historic Zilker Caretaker Cottage
52. attend the annual South Asian New Year Festival
53. take the kids to the Umlauf’s free, monthly Family Day
54. go bird-watching
55. fly kites
56. take the fam to Austin Nature Day at the ASNC
57. go for a run on the Violet Crown Trail
58. pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for the kids at the Caretaker Cottage
59. let your little rockers to Austin Kiddie Limits (October 2023)

60. practice yoga
61. hula hoop
62. travel the Woodland Faerie Trail by moonlight
63. swing on the playground
64. take the dogs for a swim
65. play Quidditch
66. slackline
67. throw a football
68. look for turtles
69. skip stones
70. go snorkeling in Barton Springs
71. pose for a family photo
72. find the waterfall in the Botanical Garden
73. see what natural treasures you can find at the Trade Counter at the ASNC
74. check out the koi fish in the Taniguchi Japanese Garden

75. listen to a concert by the Austin Civic Orchestra on the Hillside Theatre
76. howl at the moon during a Full Moon Swim in Barton Springs
77. join in on a drum circle
78. feed ducks
79. dance
80. do some people-watching
81. read a book under a shady tree
82. save your pennies and visit Barton Springs when it’s free
83. attend the annual Ballet Under the Stars at the Hillside Theatre
84. take the little ones to hear some children’s music at the annual MossFest at The Kite Festival
85. make new friends
86. swing on the monkey bars
87. fly a drone

88. play bubble soccer
89. take your pup to a doggie meetup
90. join friends on a night cycle ride through the park
91. meditate
92. practice tai chi
93. play disc golf
94. join a game of touch rugby
95. take your Girl Scouts camping at the Zilker Cabin
96. learn some historical info on the Moonlight Tower (1 of 17 in Austin, which is the only city to have moon towers)
97. reserve tables to host a birthday party or family reunion
98. practice your photography skills
99. pick up a sculpture scavenger hunt card at the Umlauf & go on a search with the kids
100. pause & be thankful for having this amazing park available to us every day!

What are your favorite things to do in Zilker Park?
Please share with us in the comments below.